JP4826606B2 - Shift position sensor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a shift position sensor that detects a shift position that changes in conjunction with an operation of a shift lever of a vehicle.

  In recent years, as a shift switching device for an automatic transmission of a vehicle, the position (shift position) of a shift lever is detected by a shift position sensor, and an electric signal corresponding to the detected shift position is sent to an actuator via a signal line. A shift-by-wire shift switching device that switches the shift range of an automatic transmission with an actuator has attracted attention.

  A shift position sensor used in this type of shift switching device includes a fixed block (holder) fixed at a fixed position and a moving block (slider) that moves relative to the fixed block in conjunction with the operation of the shift lever. And a configuration in which a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet (magnet) provided in the moving block is detected by a magnetic detection element provided in the fixed block has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this shift position sensor, a plurality of magnetic detection elements are arranged along the movement path of the permanent magnet when the moving block is moved, and by monitoring the position of the permanent magnet with the plurality of magnetic detection elements, Since the shift position is detected without using the mechanical contact, the problem of mechanical contact wear can be solved.

  Here, in the shift position sensor described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of magnetic detection elements are arranged on one plane, and the moving block is moved two-dimensionally in a plane along the one plane, thereby shifting to the shift position. Regardless, the distance between the permanent magnet and the magnetic detection element is made constant, thereby preventing variations in detection accuracy depending on the shift position.

  By the way, in this type of shift position sensor, a combination of a plurality of magnetic detection elements is turned on at each shift position (that is, a magnetic field is detected) so that the shift position can be detected even if some magnetic detection elements fail. It is common to adopt a configuration that does this (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this case, it is necessary to cause the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet to act on a range of a desired size and shape within the plane along the one plane so that the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet is simultaneously detected by each combination of magnetic detection elements. There is.

Further, in order to increase the degree of freedom of the outer shape and size of the shift position sensor or the wiring pattern of the mounting substrate on which the magnetic detection element is mounted, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the magnetic detection element in the one plane is increased. There is a need. Even in such a case, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is not simultaneously detected by a plurality of magnetic detection elements other than the above-mentioned combination, while all the magnetic detection elements are arranged on the movement trajectory of the permanent magnet. Thus, it is necessary to apply a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet to a desired size and shape within a plane along the one plane.
JP 2006-347306 A JP 2008-32155 A

  As described above, when a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet is applied to a range of a desired size and shape in a plane along the one plane, it is conceivable that the permanent magnet itself is formed in the same size and shape as the region. However, it is not easy to process the permanent magnet into a desired shape, and it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost by a method of processing the permanent magnet itself into a desired size and shape. In addition, it is conceivable that a permanent magnet having a desired shape is configured by combining a plurality of permanent magnets having a simple shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape), but this method requires a plurality of permanent magnets. In the end, it is difficult to keep the manufacturing costs low.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described reasons, and the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet is within a desired size and shape range without processing the permanent magnet itself and without increasing the number of permanent magnets. It is an object of the present invention to provide a shift position sensor that can be operated.

The invention of claim 1 is a shift position sensor that detects a shift position that changes in conjunction with the operation of the shift lever by a magnetic detection element that detects a magnetic field, and a plurality of magnetic detection elements arranged on one surface. A stationary block having a permanent magnet and a moving block that moves along the one surface in conjunction with the operation of a shift lever, and each magnetic detection element is individually sensed within a surface along the one surface. A magnetic field acting on each sensing region is detected by forming a region, and the moving block has a magnetic pole plate made of a magnetic material magnetically coupled to one magnetic pole of the permanent magnet and moving in a plane including the sensing region. The magnetic pole plate is interposed between the permanent magnet and the magnetic detection element, and a magnetic field is generated in the sensing area of the magnetic detection element in a predetermined combination at each shift position. As to, characterized by medium and a Rukoto exerting a magnetic field of the permanent magnet in a range corresponding to the size and shape in a plane along the one side.

  According to this configuration, since the magnetic pole plate made of a magnetic material magnetically coupled to one magnetic pole of the permanent magnet is provided to move in the plane including the sensing region, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet is transmitted via the magnetic pole plate. Thus, it acts on a range corresponding to the size and shape of the magnetic pole plate within the plane along the one surface. Therefore, by processing the magnetic pole plate, the size and shape of the magnetic pole plate in the plane along the one surface are set to the desired size and shape, and the permanent magnet itself is not processed. Without increasing the number, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet can be applied to a desired size and shape within a plane along the one surface. Here, the processing of the magnetic pole plate made of the magnetic material is easier than the processing of the permanent magnet itself, and the processing cost can be kept low.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the fixed block includes a holder between a surface on which the magnetic pole plate moves and the one surface on which the magnetic detection element is disposed. In the surface along the one surface, a magnetic piece having a higher magnetic permeability than other portions is provided at each position overlapping each magnetic detection element.

  According to this configuration, the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet is concentrated on the magnetic guide piece when passing through the holder. Therefore, in each magnetic detection element, the magnetic guide arranged at each position overlapping with its own projected image. The magnetic flux transmitted through the magnetic piece is detected, and the magnetic flux transmitted through the other magnetic conducting piece is not detected. Therefore, even if adjacent magnetic detection elements are brought close to each other, the magnetic field to be detected by one magnetic detection element does not affect the other magnetic detection element. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the shift position sensor by narrowing the interval between the magnetic detection elements.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the fixed block includes a holder between a surface on which the magnetic pole plate moves and the one surface on which the magnetic detection element is disposed. The holder has a sliding surface along the one surface on the surface facing the moving block, and the moving block slides on the sliding surface in contact with the sliding surface. .

  According to this configuration, since the moving block slides on the sliding surface along the one surface, the distance between the permanent magnet and the magnetic detection element can be kept constant regardless of the shift position, and detection is performed by the shift position. Variations in accuracy can be prevented.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the moving block includes a first moving body that is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, and the magnetic pole plate. And a second moving body that is movable with respect to the first moving body in a direction along the one surface and that intersects with the one axial direction, and the second moving body includes the first moving body and the second moving body. It is pressed against the sliding surface of the holder by an elastic member provided between them.

  According to this configuration, the combination of the first moving body and the second moving body makes it possible to move the permanent magnet in both the uniaxial direction and the other axial direction within the plane along the one surface. . That is, since the movement of the permanent magnet in the one axis direction and the movement in the other axis direction are shared by the first moving body and the second moving body, the position of the permanent magnet in the plane along the one surface is accurate. It can be well regulated and the shift position detection accuracy can be further improved. In addition, since the second moving body including the permanent magnet and the magnetic pole plate is pressed against the sliding surface of the holder by the elastic member, the distance between the permanent magnet and the magnetic detection element is changed by moving the second moving body away from the holder. This can prevent the detection accuracy from varying depending on the shift position.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the moving block is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, A second moving body that includes the magnetic pole plate and is movable in another axial direction intersecting the uniaxial direction within a plane along the one surface with respect to the first moving body; The first shaft that regulates the moving direction of the first moving body is held by penetrating the first moving body in the direction, and the first moving body passes through the second moving body in the other axis direction. The second shaft for restricting the moving direction of the two moving bodies is held.

  According to this configuration, since the first moving body and the second moving body are held movably in the one axis direction and the other axis direction using the first shaft and the second shaft, respectively, a relatively simple structure Thus, the moving directions of the first moving body and the second moving body can be regulated.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the moving block is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, A first movable body and a fixed block, the second movable body having the magnetic pole plate and having a second movable body movable in the other axis direction intersecting the uniaxial direction in a plane along the one surface with respect to the first movable body; Is formed with a guide rib that restricts the moving direction of the first moving body by being inserted into a guide groove formed on the other, and the first moving body has a second moving body in the other axis direction. A shaft that restricts the moving direction of the second moving body by passing through the shaft is held.

  According to this configuration, since the moving direction of the second moving body is restricted by the shaft, the moving direction of the second moving body can be restricted with a relatively simple structure. Further, since the moving direction of the first moving body is regulated without using a shaft, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where a shaft is used.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving block is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, A first movable body and a fixed block, the second movable body having the magnetic pole plate and having a second movable body movable in the other axis direction intersecting the uniaxial direction in a plane along the one surface with respect to the first movable body; Is formed with a first guide rib for restricting the moving direction of the first moving body by being inserted into the first guide groove formed on the other, and one of the first moving body and the second moving body. Is characterized in that a second guide rib for restricting the moving direction of the second moving body is formed by being inserted into the second guide groove portion formed on the other side.

  According to this configuration, since the moving direction is regulated without using the shaft for both the first moving body and the second moving body, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the shaft is used.

  Since the present invention includes a magnetic pole plate made of a magnetic material magnetically coupled to one magnetic pole of a permanent magnet and moving in a plane including a plurality of sensing regions, the magnetic pole plate has a desired size in a plane along the one surface. In addition, the shape of the permanent magnet has the advantage that the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet can be applied to a desired size and shape range without processing the permanent magnet itself and without increasing the number of permanent magnets. is there.

  A shift position sensor of each of the following embodiments is used in a shift switching device of an automatic transmission of a vehicle and detects a shift position that changes in conjunction with an operation of a shift lever. The shift switching device here is a shift-by-wire shift switching device that switches the shift range of the automatic transmission with an actuator in accordance with the shift position detected by the shift position sensor.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shift position sensor 1 of the present embodiment is interlocked with the operation of a fixed block 2 fixed at a fixed position of a vehicle (not shown) and a shift lever (not shown). The shift position is detected by detecting the position of the permanent magnet 4 provided on the moving block 3 by the magnetic detection element 5 provided on the fixed block 2. In the following description, the upper, lower, left, and right in FIG. 3 will be described as upper, lower, left, and right.

  The fixed block 2 is made of a synthetic resin and has a box-like case 6 with an open bottom surface, a synthetic resin and a thin box-like cover 7 with an open top surface, and a rectangular plate with a case 6 and a cover. 7 and a substrate block 9 accommodated between the holder 8 and the cover 7. Both the case 6 and the cover 7 are formed in a rectangular shape having the same size as that of the holder 8 in the outer peripheral shape of the cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction. As shown, a rectangular parallelepiped casing 10 is formed together with the holder 8.

  The substrate block 9 has a plurality of (six in this case) magnetic detection elements 5 mounted on the upper surface side of a rectangular mounting substrate 11, and a plurality of substrate blocks 9 erected on the inner bottom surface of the cover 7. It is supported above the cover 7 by a book (here, eight) bosses 12. Each boss 12 has a cylindrical shape, and a fixing hole 13 through which the boss 12 is inserted is provided in each part of the mounting substrate 11 corresponding to the boss 12. The tip of the boss 12 protruding upward from the mounting substrate 11 is inserted into the holder 8 (see FIG. 1B). Here, in the state where the substrate block 9 is supported by the cover 7, the magnetic detection element 5 protrudes from the upper surface of the cover 7, and therefore, a receiving recess 14 in which the magnetic detection element 5 is accommodated is provided on the lower surface side of the holder 8. Is formed.

  Here, an elastic body 15 made of a synthetic rubber O-ring is fitted to each boss 12, and the substrate block 9 is supported on the elastic body 15 (FIGS. 1B and 1C). reference). As a result, the magnetic detection element 5 mounted on the mounting substrate 11 is pressed against the lower surface of the holder 8 by the elasticity of the elastic body 15, and the variation in the mounting height of the magnetic detection element 5 on the mounting substrate 11, and The curvature of the mounting substrate 11 is suppressed, and the height position of the magnetic detection element 5 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the mounting substrate 11 can be made uniform. The elastic body 15 may be a compression coil spring or the like.

  The magnetic detection element 5 includes a Hall element (Hall IC) that detects a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4 and is arranged so as to detect each position of the permanent magnet 4 corresponding to each shift position. The magnetic detection element 5 forms an individual sensing area in a plane along the mounting surface (upper surface) of the mounting substrate 11 and detects a magnetic field acting on each sensing area. In the present embodiment, the shift lever is operated so as to select a desired shift position from the five shift positions of the first position, the second position, the third position, the fourth position, and the free position, These five shift positions are detected by the six magnetic detection elements 5. Specifically, in order to be able to detect the shift position even if some of the magnetic detection elements 5 fail, the combination of a plurality of magnetic detection elements 5 is turned on (that is, the magnetic field is detected) at each shift position. The arrangement of the magnetic detection element 5 is designed. However, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 is not detected by any of the magnetic detection elements 5 in the free position, and all the magnetic detection elements 5 are turned off. Here, for example, the second position is associated with the neutral range of the automatic transmission, the third position is associated with the drive range of the automatic transmission, and the fourth position is associated with the reverse range of the automatic transmission.

  Guide walls 16 are erected along outer peripheral edges at both ends in the width direction (left-right direction) on the upper surface of the holder 8, and the moving block 3 is disposed between the pair of guide walls 16. On both sides of each guide wall 16 in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction), shaft support bases 17 whose projecting height from the upper surface of the holder 8 is higher than the guide wall 16 are erected. The shaft support 17 supports a first shaft 18 to be described later, and a semicircular support recess is formed on the upper surface of each shaft support 17 in accordance with the outer peripheral shape (here, circular) of the first shaft 18. 17a is formed.

  By the way, on the lower surface of the holder 8, the magnetic conducting piece pockets 19 are respectively recessed at positions corresponding to the magnetic detection elements 5. That is, the magnetic conducting piece pocket 19 is formed at each position overlapping the projected image of each magnetic detection element 5 on the bottom surface of the housing recess 14 of the holder 8. Since the cylindrical magnetic piece 20 is inserted into each of the plural (here, six) magnetic piece pockets 19, each of the magnetic piece pockets 19 has an opening shape (in accordance with the shape of the magnetic piece 20 ( Here, it is formed in a circular shape) and depth.

  The magnetic conducting piece 20 is made of a material having a high magnetic permeability as compared with other portions of the holder 8. Here, the portion other than the magnetic conducting piece 20 in the holder 8 is made of a synthetic resin material, and the magnetic conducting piece 20 is made of a metal material. However, the magnetic conducting piece 20 is made of another magnetic material (however, a soft magnetic material). ). After the magnetic conducting piece 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, it is fitted (or insert-molded) into the magnetic conducting piece pocket 19 of the holder 8 through magnetic annealing and nickel plating processes. Here, the cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction of each magnetic conducting piece 20 is set to a size that fits within the projected image of each magnetic detection element 5 on the bottom surface of the housing recess 14 of the holder 8. The function of the magnetic conducting piece 20 will be described in detail later.

  The case 6 forms a space for accommodating the moving block 3 between the case 8 and the operation hole 22 through which the lever 21 provided in the moving block 3 is inserted through the bottom plate (the top of the housing 10). Plate). The lever 21 has a spherical tip (upper end) protruding from the operation hole 22 and moves in the operation hole 22 in conjunction with the operation of the shift lever. The lever 21 moves depending on the shape of the operation hole 22. Range is regulated.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the operation hole 22 includes a lateral hole 22a extended in the width direction (left and right direction) of the upper surface of the case 6, and a portion near one end (right end) of the lateral hole 22a. The vertical hole 22b extended in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the vertical hole 22b is formed so as to be inclined so that the width of the vertical hole 22b increases as the left end edge of the vertical hole 22b approaches the horizontal hole 22a. Here, the left end of the horizontal hole 22a, the center of the horizontal hole 22a, the right end of the horizontal hole 22a, the front end of the vertical hole 22b (the upper end in FIG. 1A), the rear end of the vertical hole 22b (see FIG. 1 (a) corresponds to the shift positions of the free position, the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position, respectively. Although the configuration will be described later, the lever 21 is spring-biased in an initial position corresponding to the free position in the operation hole 22 (the left end portion of the lateral hole 22a), and moves from the initial position when external force is applied. Even if the external force disappears, it returns to the initial position.

  The case 6, the cover 7, and the holder 8 configured as described above are arranged so that the moving block 3 is accommodated between the case 6 and the holder 8, and the substrate block 9 is accommodated between the cover 7 and the holder 8. Combined to form the housing 10. Here, a pair of screw holes (not shown) are formed at each end in the longitudinal direction of the case 6 so that the bottom surface is open, and the holder 8 and the cover 7 are provided with the screw holes. Assembling holes 23 that communicate with each other are formed. Therefore, in the state where the case 6, the cover 7 and the holder 8 are combined, an assembly screw 24 with a washer is screwed into the screw hole through the assembly hole 23 of the cover 7 and the holder 8. 8 is mechanically coupled. A pair of fixing pieces 25 for fixing the housing 10 to the vehicle protrude from each side surface of the case 6 in the width direction, and each fixing piece 25 has a hole for inserting a fixing screw (not shown). 26 is formed.

  On the other hand, the moving block 3 is slidably supported in the axial direction of the first shaft 18 (hereinafter referred to as the Y-axis direction) by the first shaft 18 held by the fixed block 2 as shown in FIG. A second slider (first moving body) 27 is supported by a second shaft 28 held by the first slider 27 so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the second shaft 28 (hereinafter referred to as the X-axis direction). 2 mobile bodies) 29. This moving block 3 is assembled to the fixed block 2 so that the Y-axis direction coincides with the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the vertical hole 22b and the X-axis direction coincides with the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the lateral hole 22a. Thereby, it becomes possible to move within a plane along one plane (hereinafter referred to as XY plane) in which a plurality of magnetic detection elements 5 are arranged.

  The first slider 27 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and first insertion holes 30 through which the first shaft 18 is inserted are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Each first insertion hole 30 is formed over the entire length of the first slider 27 in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

  Here, in each first insertion hole 30, a partition wall 31 (see FIG. 1B) that bisects the first insertion hole 30 in the longitudinal direction is formed. A through hole 31a having an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first shaft 18 is provided through the central portion of the partition wall 31, and the first shaft 18 is inserted into the through hole 31a. Further, each first shaft 18 includes a ring-shaped stopper 32, a compression coil spring 33 formed to have an outer diameter that can be inserted into the first insertion hole 30, and an E-ring 34 for preventing the compression coil spring 33 from coming off. Are mounted from both sides in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the first slider 27 is moved in the Y-axis direction with respect to the first shaft 18, the stopper 32 in the traveling direction is pressed by the partition wall 31, and the compression coil spring 33 is interposed between the stopper 32 and the E ring 34. Is compressed. In short, the first slider 27 is spring-biased in the longitudinal center of the first shaft 18 by the spring force of the compression coil spring 33.

  In addition, first guide ribs 35 and 36 are formed on both ends of the first slider 27 in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude on both sides in the thickness direction of the first slider 27. The pair of first guide ribs 35 protruding upward are respectively inserted into first guide grooves 37 (see FIG. 1B) formed on the inner bottom surface of the case 6 over substantially the entire length in the Y-axis direction. The pair of first guide ribs 36 projecting downward are inserted between the pair of guide walls 16 provided on the holder 8 and abut against the guide walls 16.

  Thus, in the state where the first shaft 18 is held by the fixed block 2 in such a manner that both ends in the longitudinal direction are fitted in the support recesses 17a of the shaft support 17 of the holder 8, the first slider 27 moves in the Y direction. Restrict in the axial direction. Further, the first slider 27 is prohibited from moving in directions other than the Y-axis direction by the first guide rib 35 and the first guide groove 37, and the first guide rib 36 and the guide wall 16.

  Furthermore, a long hole 38 through which the lever 21 formed integrally with the second slider 29 is inserted is formed in the center of the first slider 27 in the width direction. The long hole 38 is extended in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first slider 27, and a part thereof (a portion corresponding to the initial position of the operation hole 22) can be inserted through the tip of the lever 21. Widely formed.

  The second slider 29 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and the lever 21 is formed so as to stand upright at the center of the upper surface. The second slider 29 has a longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) dimension set substantially the same as the width direction of the first slider 27, and the width direction (X-axis direction) dimension is the longitudinal direction of the first slider 27. It is set to be sufficiently smaller than the dimensions.

  A second insertion hole 39 that penetrates the second slider 29 in the width direction and through which the second shaft 28 is inserted is formed at the center of the second slider 29 in the longitudinal direction. Here, a bottom wall 40 is formed on one (leftward) opening surface of the second insertion hole 39, and an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second shaft 28 is formed at the center of the bottom wall 40. A through hole 40a having a through hole is provided, and one end portion (left end portion) of the second shaft 28 in the longitudinal direction is inserted into the through hole 40a. Further, the second shaft 28 has a ring-shaped stopper 41, a compression coil spring 42 formed to have an outer diameter that can be inserted into the second insertion hole 39, and an E-ring 43 for preventing the compression coil spring 42 from coming off. Is mounted from the other end side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the second slider 29 is moved to the other end side of the second shaft 28, the stopper 41 is pressed by the bottom wall 40, and the compression coil spring 42 is compressed between the stopper 41 and the E ring 43. . In short, the second slider 29 is spring-biased toward the one end portion of the second shaft 28 by the spring force of the compression coil spring 42.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 6, the second slider 29 is formed with a magnet pocket 44 for storing the permanent magnet 4 and a magnetic pole plate pocket 46 for storing the magnetic pole plate 45 made of a magnetic material. Here, the permanent magnet 4 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is smaller in size than the second slider 29 and is subjected to surface treatment (nickel coating, aluminum coating, etc.) for improving rust prevention or corrosion resistance. The permanent magnet 4 is fixed with an adhesive while being accommodated in the magnet pocket 44. The magnet pocket 44 is formed substantially at the center of the second slider 29 and has an opening on the left side surface of the second slider 29. The permanent magnet 4 is accommodated in the magnet pocket 44 in such a direction that the lower surface side is an N pole and the upper surface side is an S pole.

  The magnetic pole plate 45 is a plate-like member formed in a substantially cross shape in plan view, and its longitudinal dimension is slightly larger than the upper surface of the second slider 29 and its width dimension is that of the second slider 29. It is set substantially the same as the upper surface. The magnetic pole plate pocket 46 is formed in a substantially cross shape matching the shape of the magnetic pole plate 45 on the lower surface side of the second slider 29. Here, the lower portion of the second slider 29 is widened in the longitudinal direction and the width direction so that the magnetic pole plate 45 is accommodated in the magnetic pole plate pocket 46. The magnetic pole plate 45 is formed into a desired shape (here, a cross shape) and then fitted into the magnetic pole plate pocket 46 (or insert molding) through magnetic annealing and nickel plating processes. With the above configuration, the magnetic pole plate 45 is magnetically coupled to one magnetic pole (here, N pole) of the permanent magnet 4 and is magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4. As the second slider 29 moves, the magnetic pole plate 45 moves in a plane (a plane along the mounting surface of the mounting substrate 11) including the sensing regions of all the magnetic detection elements 5. The function of the pole plate 45 will be described later.

  The first slider 27 and the second slider 29 configured as described above are combined with each other so that the lever 21 is inserted through the long hole 38. A slider recess 47 (see FIG. 1B) for accommodating the second slider 29 is formed in the lower surface of the first slider 27, and is provided on both side walls of the slider recess 47 facing in the X-axis direction. Further, both end portions of the second shaft 28 are held by the shaft support portion 48 (see FIG. 1B). Here, second guide grooves 49 are formed at both ends of the upper surface of the second slider 29 in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the second slider 29 in the width direction (X-axis direction). A second guide rib 50 erected along the X-axis direction on the inner bottom surface of the slider recess 47 of the first slider 27 is inserted into the second guide groove 49 (see FIG. 1C).

  Thus, the second shaft 28 restricts the moving direction of the second slider 29 in the X-axis direction in a state where both ends in the longitudinal direction are held by the first slider 27, respectively. Further, the second slider 29 is prohibited from moving relative to the first slider 27 in the direction other than the X-axis direction by the second guide rib 50 and the second guide groove 49.

  Further, a concave groove 51 is formed between the second guide groove 49 and the lever 21 on the upper surface of the second slider 29, and each concave groove 51 has a substantially square shape as shown in FIG. The leaf springs 52 (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 5) formed as elastic members are accommodated. The leaf spring 52 is caulked and fixed by a caulking projection 53 whose central portion in the longitudinal direction projects from the inner bottom surface of the groove 51. Thereby, the second slider 29 is spring-biased downward by elastically contacting both longitudinal ends of the leaf spring 52 with the inner bottom surface of the slider recess 47 in the first slider 27. As a result, the magnetic pole plate 45 provided on the lower surface side of the second slider 29 is pressed against the upper surface of the holder 8.

  According to the shift position sensor 1 having the above-described configuration, the second slider 29 can move on the holder 8 in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction within the plane along the XY plane. It can be freely moved in the operation hole 22. Here, as the lever 21 moves, the permanent magnet 4 and the magnetic pole plate 45 provided in the second slider 29 move. Therefore, by detecting the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4 by the magnetic detection element 5, The position of the lever 21 in the operation hole 22 can be detected. That is, the shift position can be detected from the output (detection result) of the magnetic detection element 5.

  By the way, in the shift position sensor 1 of the present embodiment, the combination of the plurality of magnetic detection elements 5 is turned on (that is, the magnetic field is detected) at each shift position. In order to be detected simultaneously by the magnetic detection element 5, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4 must be applied to a desired size and shape within a plane along the XY plane. That is, in each shift position, it is necessary to design the range in which the magnetic field acts so that a predetermined combination of the magnetic detection elements 5 is located within the range in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 acts.

  In this embodiment, since the magnetic pole plate 45 is interposed between the permanent magnet 4 and the magnetic detection element 5, the magnetic pole plate 45 forms a part of a magnetic path through which the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 4 passes. The magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 acts on a range corresponding to the size and shape of the magnetic pole plate 45 in a plane along the XY plane using the magnetic pole plate 45 as a medium. Here, the magnetic detection element 5 is arranged on the locus of the projected image of the magnetic pole plate 45 when the second slider 29 is moved on the XY plane (that is, within the range in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 acts). To do. That is, the permanent magnet 4 itself that is difficult to process has a simple shape (in this case, a rectangular plate shape), but the size and shape in the plane along the XY plane of the magnetic pole plate 45 are set to a desired size and shape. Thus, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4 can be applied to a range corresponding to the size and shape of the magnetic pole plate 45 in a plane along the XY plane.

  In addition, as described above, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 can be applied to a desired size and shape within a plane along the XY plane, so that the degree of freedom of arrangement of the magnetic detection elements 5 in the XY plane is increased. There is also an advantage of improvement. In short, the arrangement of the magnetic detection elements 5 is such that all the magnetic detection elements 5 can detect the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 and the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets 4 are detected simultaneously by a plurality of magnetic detection elements 5 other than the combination. Therefore, if the range in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 acts in the XY plane is limited to a simple shape, the arrangement of the magnetic detection elements 5 is also limited. On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the range in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 acts in a plane along the XY plane can be set to a desired size and shape, so that the degree of freedom in arranging the magnetic detection elements 5 is improved. To do.

  Since the processing of the magnetic pole plate 45 made of a magnetic material is generally easier than the processing of the permanent magnet 4, the magnetic pole plate 45 is not limited to the cross-shaped magnetic pole plate 45 as described above, but has a more complicated shape. It is also possible to adopt.

  By the way, in this embodiment, since the magnetic guide piece 20 is provided in each position corresponding to each magnetic detection element 5 in the holder 8, the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 4 passes through the holder 8. Will concentrate on. That is, it is desirable that the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4 be detected only by the magnetic detection element 5 positioned directly below the magnetic pole plate 45. However, if there is no magnetic conducting piece 20, the magnetic flux spreads when passing through the holder 8. As a result, the magnetic detection element 5 that is not directly under the magnetic pole plate 45 may be erroneously detected. On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment in which the magnetic conducting piece 20 is provided, the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 4 intensively passes through the magnetic conducting piece 20 when passing through the holder 4 and the spread of the magnetic flux is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic detection element 5 that is not directly under the magnetic pole plate 45.

  Therefore, even if adjacent magnetic detection elements 5 are arranged close to each other, a magnetic field to be detected by one magnetic detection element 5 is not erroneously detected by the other magnetic detection element 5. As a result, it is possible to reduce the interval between the magnetic detection elements 5 and reduce the size of the entire shift position sensor 1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the magnetic detection element 5 is pressed against the lower surface of the holder 8 by an elastic body, and the magnetic pole plate 45 is pressed against the upper surface of the holder 5 by the leaf spring 52. The distance from the plate 45 can be kept constant (thickness dimension of the holder 8), and variation in detection accuracy due to the shift position can be avoided. Here, in order to keep the frictional resistance between the magnetic pole plate 45 and the upper surface (sliding surface) of the holder 8 small, the holder 8 is made of a material (for example, POM) having excellent slidability. Similarly, the first slider 27 and the second slider 29 are made of a material excellent in slidability. Further, it is desirable to apply grease to each sliding contact portion (such as the upper surface of the holder 8) as appropriate to keep the frictional resistance small.

  In the above-described embodiment, the shift position sensor 1 that selects a desired shift position from the five shift positions is exemplified. However, selectable shift positions can be arbitrarily set. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, a second vertical hole 22c extended in the front-rear direction from the initial position (position corresponding to the free position) is added to the operation hole 22, and the front end portion and the rear end of the vertical hole 22c are added. By making each part correspond to the fifth position and the sixth position, a desired shift position can be selected from a total of seven shift positions. Here, the fifth position is associated with, for example, a downshift of the automatic transmission, and the sixth position is associated with an upshift of the automatic transmission. In the example of FIG. 8, in order to adapt to these seven shift positions, the number of the magnetic detection elements 5 is changed to nine, the arrangement of the magnetic detection elements 5 is changed, and the magnetic conducting piece 20 is also 9 to match the magnetic detection elements 5. Although the points are different from those in the above embodiment, other configurations and functions are the same as those in the above embodiment.

(Embodiment 2)
The shift position sensor 1 of the present embodiment is different from the shift position sensor 1 of the first embodiment in that the first slider 27 and the second slider 29 are movably supported. Since other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, portions common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the first shaft 18 and the shaft support 17 are omitted, and in the first slider 27, the first insertion hole 30 is omitted, and instead of the first guide rib 36 protruding downward, FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, a first guide groove 54 into which the guide wall 16 of the holder 8 is inserted is formed. That is, the moving direction of the first slider 27 is regulated by the first guide rib 35 and the first guide groove 37, and the guide wall 16 and the first guide groove 54 without using the first shaft 18. At this time, the guide wall 16 of the holder 8 functions as a first guide rib.

  Here, the compression coil spring 33 is provided with a first spring pocket 56 (FIG. 10B) that is recessed in the lower surface of the projecting portion 55 that is formed so as to project from both end surfaces of the first slider 27 in the longitudinal direction. (See). Slits 57 are respectively formed on both side walls of the first spring pocket 56 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). On the upper surface of the holder 8, a first pressing piece 58 that can be inserted and removed from the slit 57 into the first spring pocket 56 is erected along the guide wall 16 except for the central portion in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Yes. Therefore, when the first slider 27 is moved in the Y-axis direction with respect to the holder 6, the first pressing piece 58 in the traveling direction is introduced into the first spring pocket 56 from the slit 57, and the first pressing piece 58 The compression coil spring 33 is compressed in the first spring pocket 56. In short, the first slider 27 is spring-biased to the center in the longitudinal direction of the holder 8 by the spring force of the compression coil spring 33.

  In addition, a second spring pocket 59 is provided in the upper surface of the second slider 29 between each second guide groove 49 and the lever 21 in place of the concave groove 51. Each of the compression coil springs 42 is accommodated. A slit 60 is formed in each of the right side walls in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second spring pocket 59. On the inner bottom surface of the slider recess 47 in the first slider 27, a second pressing piece 61 that can be inserted into and removed from the slit 60 into the second spring pocket 59 is erected along the second guide rib 50. Therefore, when the second slider 29 is moved in the X-axis direction with respect to the first slider 27, the second pressing piece 61 is introduced into the second spring pocket 59 from the slit 60, and the second pressing piece 61 causes the second pressing piece 61 to The compression coil spring 42 is compressed in the spring pocket 59. In short, the second slider 29 is spring-biased to the left end side of the slider recess 47 by the spring force of the compression coil spring 42. In this configuration, since the compression coil spring 42 is not attached to the second shaft 28, the inner diameter of the second insertion hole 39 through which the second shaft 28 is inserted is set to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second shaft 28.

  According to the configuration described above, the first shaft 18 is unnecessary, and in the first embodiment, the stopper 32 and the E-ring 34 that are attached to the first shaft 18 together with the compression coil spring 33 are also unnecessary. Therefore, there is an advantage that the number of parts of the shift position sensor 1 can be reduced and the assembling work is simplified.

  Furthermore, as another configuration example of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the second shaft 28 may be omitted and the second insertion hole 39 in the second slider 29 may be omitted. In the example of FIG. 11, the movement direction of the second slider 29 is restricted by the second guide rib 50 and the second guide groove 49 without using the second shaft 28. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the number of parts can be further reduced.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the elastic member (leaf spring 52) is not provided between the second slider 29 and the first slider 27 has been described. However, as in the first embodiment, the elastic member (leaf spring 52) is not provided. Thus, the magnetic pole plate 45 of the second slider 29 may be pressed against the upper surface (sliding surface) of the holder 8.

  By the way, in each said embodiment, although the example which uses a Hall element as a magnetic detection element which detects a magnetic field was shown, not only this example but a magnetoresistive element (MR element, GMR element, TMR element), a magneto-impedance element, for example Various sensor elements such as (MI) can be used as the magnetic detection element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The structure of Embodiment 1 of this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is AA sectional drawing of (a), (c) is BB sectional drawing of (a). It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a structure same as the above. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 2 which shows a structure same as the above. It is a perspective view same as the above. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a moving block same as the above. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd slider same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd slider same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the other structural example same as the above. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the principal part of Embodiment 2 of this invention. The structure of the principal part same as the above is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is an AA cross-sectional view of (a), and (c) is a BB cross-sectional view of (a). It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the principal part of the other structural example same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shift position sensor 2 Fixed block 3 Moving block 4 Permanent magnet 5 Magnetic detection element 8 Holder 18 1st shaft 20 Magnetic guide piece 27 1st slider (1st moving body)
28 Second shaft 29 Second slider (second moving body)
35, 36 First guide rib 37, 54 First guide groove 45 Magnetic pole plate 49 Second guide groove 50 Second guide rib 52 Leaf spring (elastic member)

Claims (7)

A shift position sensor that detects a shift position that changes in conjunction with the operation of the shift lever by a magnetic detection element that detects a magnetic field, and a fixed block that includes a plurality of magnetic detection elements disposed on one surface; A moving block that includes a permanent magnet and moves along the one surface in conjunction with the operation of the shift lever;
Each magnetic detection element detects a magnetic field acting on each sensing region by forming a separate sensing region in a plane along the one surface,
Moving blocks, have a pole plate which moves in a plane containing the sensing area consists magnetically coupled magnetic material on one of the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet,
The pole plate is interposed between the permanent magnet and the magnetic detection element, and has a size in a plane along the one surface so that a magnetic field acts on a sensing region of the magnetic detection element in a predetermined combination at each shift position. a shift position sensor, characterized in Rukoto such a medium exerting a magnetic field of the permanent magnet in a range corresponding to the shape.   The fixed block includes a holder between a surface on which the magnetic pole plate moves and the one surface on which the magnetic detection element is disposed, and the holder has a magnetic permeability higher than that of other parts in the surface along the one surface. The shift position sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic conducting piece having a high height at each position overlapping each magnetic detection element.   The fixed block includes a holder between a surface on which the magnetic pole plate moves and the one surface on which the magnetic detection element is disposed, and the holder slides along the one surface on a surface facing the moving block. The shift position sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shift block has a moving surface, and the moving block slides on the sliding surface in a state of being in contact with the sliding surface.   The moving block includes a first moving body that is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, and the magnetic pole plate, and is along the one surface with respect to the first moving body. A second moving body movable in the other axis direction intersecting the one axis direction in a plane, and the second moving body is slid by the elastic member provided between the second moving body and the first moving body. The shift position sensor according to claim 3, wherein the shift position sensor is pressed against the moving surface.   The moving block includes a first moving body that is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, and the magnetic pole plate, and is along the one surface with respect to the first moving body. A second moving body movable in the other axis direction intersecting the one axis direction in a plane, and the fixed block passes through the first moving body in the one axis direction to move the first moving body A first shaft that restricts the movement direction of the second moving body by passing through the second moving body in the direction of the other axis is held by the first moving body. The shift position sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   The moving block includes a first moving body that is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, and the magnetic pole plate, and is along the one surface with respect to the first moving body. A second moving body movable in the other axis direction intersecting the one axis direction in a plane, and inserted into a guide groove formed in the other of the first moving body and the fixed block. A guide rib for restricting the moving direction of the first moving body is formed, and a shaft for restricting the moving direction of the second moving body is held in the first moving body by penetrating the second moving body in the other axis direction. The shift position sensor according to claim 1, wherein the shift position sensor is provided.   The moving block includes a first moving body that is movable in a uniaxial direction along the one surface with respect to the fixed block, the permanent magnet, and the magnetic pole plate, and is along the one surface with respect to the first moving body. A second moving body movable in the other axis direction intersecting the one axis direction in a plane, and inserted into a first guide groove portion formed in the other one of the first moving body and the fixed block. Thus, a first guide rib that regulates the moving direction of the first moving body is formed, and one of the first moving body and the second moving body is inserted into a second guide groove formed in the other. The shift position sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second guide rib for restricting a moving direction of the second moving body is formed.

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